Demon Cole Arc~ Chapter 5: Big Boys Don't Cry

Chapter 5: Big Boys Don’t Cry


Sharon’s Dorm Room, Black Crescent, Mizuchi Cove

Sharon entered her dorm room with a sigh, shutting the door behind her. Three days after Maggie’s attack, with no sign of her younger brother. Well, he’ll certainly be coming tonight, but she didn’t know where he’ll be. Perhaps she should have asked Fallon about what friends and family she had that Collier would target but... She shook her head. No, she can do this herself. Cole was her brother, she could find him and get him back. She needed too, before it was too late... The attacks were becoming more brutal with each victim. If this kept up, he would be killing next... Sharon couldn’t let that happen. She had to find him, before he found someone else.

She turned to leave her room and begin the search again, when something finally reached her ears. The sound of someone remaging around her... fridge? She rounded the corner to see... Cole?

”Hey, sis!” He said, as cheerful as ever. “You miss me?”

The mage could only stare him. “Cole…” It was almost like old times, except for the black hair, but… he was right there. “What are you doing here..?”

“Isn’t it obvious? I got thirsty.” He took out a coke can from the fridge and she gasped. “You hand…!” Cole looked down at the shadowy form of a hand. “Oh, this? Yeah, happened a while ago. I think I’m starting to get use to it, though!” He opened the drink and took a swig from it.

“What happened?”

He shrugged. “Not a big deal… actually I kind of like it like this.” He set down his coke and looked at her with black eyes. “Wanna see why?” Sharon shook her head. It’s not really Cole… not yet… “No, Cole. You have to listen to me, please—!!” Her eyes widened in shock from the sudden pain in her stomach. Collier was standing closer to her then he was before… Funny… she didn’t notice him move… Her eyes slowly traveled from his dark ones to her stomach, and saw… his artificial hand… Collier had morphed his shadow hand into some kind of blade and stabbed her.

“Sorry, Shar. I don’t feel like listening to you right now.” The demon smirked. He pulled out the blade and allowed Sharon to slump to the floor while he picked back up his drink.

“C-Col... Collier…” She attempted, while trying to remain conscious despite the pain and blood loss from the nearly fatal wound. “Let… him go…”

“Let him go… Why does that make me think of a song from some stupid animation movie?”

“Please… why do you need him…? W-why can’t you… just leave him his body…? L-let him go…” Sharon tried to plead. Collier’s foot shot out and struck her in the chest, throwing her back to the ground. “Well, I don’t really want to do that at the moment. I actually like using this body. I guess being stuck in it from six years made me get use to it. The only problem he seemed to have before was hurting you, and well… Let’s just say that isn’t a problem anymore.” Collier smirked and as a shadow scythe appeared in his hand.

***

Black Crescent, Mizuchi Cove

That morning, a sudden realisation hit the swordswoman. ”Sara’s boyfriend knows about demons! He has a whole library on dark magic… We should go back to Lumină.” Kuris whined, ”All thisss walking~ waiii??? Ugh...I'll grab my stu-....oh wait Im still packed...” ”What do you have in there anyway?” Fallon asked, almost chuckling at his whining.

”Honestly, I can’t remember....Only thing I bothered to take out of it was my sleep wear. But meh..” he got off the bed he was lounging on, stretching. ”When we setting off? I would like to check in on Mags before we do.”

Sure he didn't remember. Like he didn't remember about Neena the previous week. ”....” Fallon got off the bed in Beor’s room too and turned away from him. ”Right now. See you in the infirmary,” she said sternly and went ahead without him, requiping from her pajamas to her casual wear on the way.

Kuris chuckled before pouting playfully. ”Aww, requip again? Wait up, Red, some of us have to put our clothes on the regular way...” he told her as he took off his long sleeve patchy shirt. ”Or off for that matter...”

Fallon stopped and only spared him one glance over her shoulder. ”Hurry up.”

Frowning, Kuris quickly putting on his clothes. ”Jeeze....did I snore or something?....or...the blunder boy is getting to her*sigh* this whole Cole thing is getting ridiculous....*scowl* Why did I promise Red I wouldnt just off him again? *sigh*” Finally dressed, he headed out the door, running quickly to catch up. Of course Fallon heared his footsteps when she was almost at the infirmary but she didn't turn around. ”So....you're awfully abrupt this morning...aside from that comment about Sara's boy toy.” ”And you're... elusive. Like always.” ”Elusive? When the he...” The lashtail sighed and shut up. No point arguing, he'd only make things worse....

Fallon opens the door and steps inside. Days ago they had been in that same room watching Beor, with Maggie and Sharon still healthy and strong. Now his guild mates Maggie and Sharon had joined Beor being comatose. Shaking his head Kuris goes straight for Maggie's cot as Beor would probably not appreciate him hovering and he didnt really know Sharon. ”Hey, Mags, you up yet? Sleepyhead~” he adressed the comatosed girl, with lots of bandages on her.

’DECEITFUL WOMAN. TAKES AFTER HER AUNT.’ was the writing she had been looking for that time on the beach (and it was on her back left shoulder). ...So just for being related to me...? Her cute little niece, who was always so cheerful and tough despite the hardships life had dealt her. She understood the quote –she understood them all, and even started to keep an evidence of them, though that was unknown to Kuris. Yes, Fallon knew Maggie and Cole had flirted with each other –much to Beor’s annoyance–, during their break up (since Fallon’s birthday to the following Valentine’s Day). It had been a love triangle set up in fact, because Wolf Carter was also interested in Maggie. And now she lay there disfigured...

Even his sister... ’HELP ONE ANOTHER, IS PART OF THE RELIGION OF SISTERHOOD’ Fallon had cringed when she had seen the quote that was now under bandages. Cole, and undoubtedly the demon inside him too, had heard Fallon once say to Sharon to get along like sisters. But she had not been a sister to Sharon Surmise... she had been nervous about talking to her in the Black Crescent’s infirmary after Beor’s attack and she got angry when Sharon confronted her about leading Cole on... She had even felt jealous when Sharon suggested she could do something Fallon could not –bring the Cole they knew and loved back. Sure she had never had a sister, but she imagined her feelings for Sharon should have been kinder and stronger, hence the irony of the quote.*

Glances from Sharon to Kuris, Fallon saw him chuckle, as he brushed a stray band of hair from the comatose girl's face. ”You just HAD to be hardheaded didn’t you? I told you we needed to stick together....*sigh* You are in trouble when you wake up missy. Adn you will... I'll make sure of it.... Me and Red are going to be heading off in a bit, see about more information to deal with all this nonsense. When we get back I expect you up and running you got me?”

Of course Maggie was still comatosed but... she seemed a bit more peaceful then before.

Fallon couldn’t help a small smile at the kindness and caring Kuris shows to his future niece. ”Are you ready yet?” Kuris combed his hands through his hair, turning to face the swordswoman, a determined expression on his face. ” Yeah. I'm ready. Let's do this.” ’Let’s do this’ – her dead brother used to like to say that. ” ...Un,” she nodded, her expression mirroring his.

***

Lantern Heads guild, Lumină

”I heard Lero walks around without a shirt on... he should be easy to spot...”

Kuris smirked. ”He gets away with that?...Wait, nevermind. Forget I said that, we have our own in DragonHeart. Heh, I mean if I did that people would throw fits....” He chuckled before joing Fallon with the search. ”....Yeah, he should be easy to spot... but if this is their hometown then we could just ask someone, ne?”

Fallon looked irritated when Kuris brought up his teammate (seemed like anything Kuris said that day was annoying her. ”I only know Sara in this town, and Liona...” A cocktail shaker landed on Kuris's head, before she could finish her sentence. ”Red... I think I'm a lightwieght... because that drink just hit me hard....” And despite Fallon being within Kuris's field of vision, he could hear her voice behind him. ”Sorry 'bout that...” Kuris glanced up from the object and turning around at the voice speaking to him. ”It's okay.... you are?”

The clumsy barmaid was about to say something snappy when she sees those reptilian eyes... and forgets how to use her words. Kuristophe Orochi?! Here?! Has he come to kill me?? Kuris’s widened eyes reflected her surprise. ”Oh, it's you again. Hello crazy lady....” _{”Hey, Neena.”} ”Hello, trained assasin...” Neena replied, ignoring Fallon’s greeting.

”So...how was prison?”

”Cold cells, bland food... but the worst of all, I got bored. So I escaped. *smirk* Thought it would be hard, with this briliant mind of mine?” Neena stroke a pose pointing at her head. ”Isn't that tehnically my brain...?” ”Pfft. You still don't understand how the Rosa Project worked? It's my memories, my inteligence. ”

Kuris looked back and forth between the two as they spoke. ”.....So, I take it since you rwo aren’t at each other's throats that you've.... uhh i dont know... turned a new leaf? Shed some new skin?... Wait, that last one seems oddly appropiate all points considering...” ” ...Our paths don't intersect much.” Neena answered with a shrug.

”Neena, have you seen Lero?”

The guild barmaid bent over and picked up the shaker. ”No, I have not seen the Lightbulb. I was just mixing this cocktail when you showed up uninvited.” ”Neena, Sara was attacked by a demon... her wounds might heal, but my other friends are comatose and they won't wake up, unless... We need Lero's help with it.”

”Demon...”

”Look, you might not believe in demons or whatever,” Kuris intervend. ”...But the fact is we need your...*grumble* help. At least in getting us to this 'Lero' character.”

Probably wanting to impress Kuris, she says the next words. ”Think I can't handle a demon? I will do it.” ”Do what?” Fallon demanded. ”I’ve learned Light Magic from Rosa. I can pour some Light into an item –like a sword– and you can kill the demon with it.” ”You could do that…? Would that affect Cole…?” ”I don’t know about the human… But you sound pretty desperate to get rid of the demon, and like you’ve run out of options.” And practicing my magic can’t be a bad thing… ”……. His sister’s been looking for a cure for 6 years now…” ”See?”

The Orochi gave an appreciative nod to Neena's thinking. Seemed she had heard about those events as well... Cole had to be stopped... and stopped awhile back. He was just going to deteriorate, the attacks getting more and more brutal. When was Red going to realize that? ”Light magic and weapon imbueing? Not bad...seems you've been busy.” Neena tossed some hair over her shoulder, flushing with pride at his words. ”Yeah, well, I am a fast thinker, what can I say...” she chirped, faking modesty. ”But I will need one of your swords for this.”

”Erm...” Fallon was hesitant about handing over a weapon that will be used for piercing Cole. Kuris just stood to the side silently, this was something she'd have to decide on her own. HIm stating his thoughts would only hurt Red.

In the end, she produced the magic-less sword that Savia gave her 2 Christmases ago... and stares at it. ”The... There you go.” She gave it to Neena with a shaking hand. As much as she wanted Collier to be gone, the thought of harming Cole in the process is unsettling. Neena grabbed it, not noticing the other woman’s feelings. ”Whoa. Pretty heavy.” She stared at it too as if thinking how to go about it. ”It shall be done.” ”When...?” ”I can't say for certain. I need to focus on this.”

”Hmm... appreciated, Neena.” Kuris placed a hand on Fallons shoulder, squeezing it in a show of support. Let's go look for this shirtless 'lightbulb' everyone’s been talking about then ne? Still have to talk with him since we came all this way anyways....” ”You can look, but you won’t find him. He’s out looking for the demon who assailed his sweetheart.”

”Ok... Bye, Neena.” Fallon had no choice but to trust her. If the worst case scenario came to pass, she would have lost one sword. But if things went right, she would win a demon slaying sword... It was true, Neena Montrose had wanted to experiment on her and her friends less then 2 years back and her sadistic tendencies had not diminished –Fallon had heard about Neena insisting to operate on Sara and a fellow Science Club memeber at the Academy– but the tension she felt around the older woman was gone. And Neena should have gained some human-like emotions, like empathy --she too had people she cared about, like... her husband. And her daughter too.

Once they left, Neena glanced down with a mix of fear and anticipation at the metal blade she was holding carefully. Twisting her wrist slighlty, she held the sword vertically, watching the light reflect on its surface.

***

Neru’s appartment, Premunte

Raul took the time off from the Academy of Fiore to babysit his baby sister at home, in the apartment above Fallon’s. His neighbour had been gone for two weeks now and it was also two weeks since his mother and new dad had been in a coma. So Raul was left alone to look after his one month old sister with little electric-blue hair locks... Looking after a baby was tiresome –and awkward half of the time, he found– but he told himself it was good practice for when he and Zoey were going to have a baby... some day, after he proposed, and found himself blushing. Zoey was still only 14.

Then there was a knock on the door. ”Who could it be at this hour...?” He petted Ziaret one last time on the head as she lay on the side of the bed on her back and rushed to the door. ”Yes...?”  he stared at the raven haired boy slightly surprised, recognizing Cole, whom Fallon had almost-married. ”Oh, hey...”

”Hey! Mind if I come in?” Cole didn't bother waiting for an answer, just pushed past him into the room.

”...What happened?”

”Oh, this and that.” ‘Cole’ waved his hand nonchalantly.

Raul realized Cole was upset after the wedding... how could he not be? So Raul figured he had to say something to lighten the mood. ”...Nice hair. New style, new you? ”

”Oh, you could say that~”

”I don't mean to be rude, but why are you here now?” He surely still had a place to stay at. He surely didn’t need money. And Raul surely did not expect the following answer.

”Oh, nothing that big, just to kill you.”

”Excuse me...?”

”I realize you're not the sharpest knife in the drawer, but do you really need me to explain it to you?”

Raul finally understood that was serious. And that he had to eliminate the threat before Cole could get to the baby in the other room. ”...You're the demon who went after Neru and Xiacon?” he exclaimed reequipping himself with a gun in his right hand. Of course, he knew about Maggie’s attack and Sara’s attack too. Maggie was his friend and she was missing from school and Sara was missing her spot next to Dinei in Dragon Heart’s infirmary.

”Wow, you actually caught on faster then Red did.” the demon chuckled and reached out to flip the light switch off. ”But let's not waste anymore time with chit-chat. You're annoying, so I'd rather just kill you and be done with it.”

”...Why do you hate me, Cole?”

Collier created his scythe. ”This has nothing to do with you. Red just likes you, so I must destroy you. Simple enough for you to understand?”

Raul raised the arm holding the gun. ”But Fallon doesn't even like me that way....! I'm like a brother to her!” he shouted, while thinking he was going to get revenge either way.

”I don't care what she thinks of you. She's fond of you, and it would hurt her if you died... so, you're going to die. And I wouldn't bother wasting your bullets on me, all you'd manage to do is wake the baby.”

”I'm not going to go down quietly. ...I mean, metaphorically speaking.” As he spoke, he tried to think of a way to create light again.... shooting the gas pipe was not a solution. He could run out in the streets, go to the guild or some diner, but that would leave Ziaret unguarded, and he couldn't fight holding such a young baby...... ”I remember now, you use shadows...” As tricky as Ryou's sand....

The scythe finished forming and Collier lunged forward at him* ”Correct”. The Gun Mage stepped back instinctively and shot. The demon used his shadow travel to dodge and come up behind him. Turning around, Raul shots again, but Cole grabbed his arm and pushed it away, so it was not aimed at him. Ziaret started crying. ”Told you you'd wake the baby.” he commented kicking the boy in the side.

”Ugh!!” Raul took a few steps back surprised by the force of the kick –he used to think he was pretty tough, but Cole was stronger than he appears too–, trapped between the apartment exit and Ziaret's room. No matter which direction he went, he put her in danger. So he was going to just die there, in the dark, with no glimmer of hope? If only Fallon were there, she could light all that darkness. But he was all alone.” ......” He tried not to cry with frustration. He didn't want to die yet. He wanted to turn 18 and he wanted Neru to let him take the S class exam and he wanted to propose to Zoey, have a baby... become a hero of Premunte...

Seeing his expression with his supranatural eyes, the demon snerked. ”You're going to cry aren't you? What a wimp...” ”I'm not a wimp!” the Gun Mage shot several times, aiming for Cole's head, who  easily dodged the bullets, starting to drop his guard. ”What do you have to live for anyway? You're a completely useless lump of flesh, so why are you crying about dying? You wouldn't have made it as a S Class, you definitely can't be a hero... who would be desperate enough to ask you to save them?”

Ziaret was crying louder from the noise they were making.

”The ones who are useless are the ones who go after the innocent and the defenceless!” ”The ones who are useless are the ones who can't do anything right.” ”You're not doing something right! Don't look down on me, you torture freak!” And like that, he requipped his left hand with a gun too and shoots at Cole again, aiming for his body. His assailer shadow traveled again to get behind him and hit him with the scythe. ”At least I'm actually succeeding in what I'm doing. And it's hard not to look down on a worthless excuse for a mage like you.”

The said mage cringed in pain. Must not think of how deep the wound is... Must focus... on hitting him... Turning around like she hadn’t been cut and shot again. Surprised that he didn't go down, the demon tried to dodge the bullet and still got grazed in the shoulder. ”By the sound of it... that one hit, eh?” Raul grinned smugly in the dark.

Collier scowled and pulled out the scythe, only to hit him again... and again... and again... ”One hit... is nothing to get smug about, loser.” As much as he tried to be a man and ignore the pain, the brown-haired boy got dizzy fast from the loss of blood. But his hold on the guns is still strong, so he aims and shoots again. He would make it his final wish to take Cole down with him... But Collier knew better then to drop his guard again and used shadow travel to redirect the bullet back at Raul. The gunslinger got hit in the kidney. ”..... ...!!!” with a yelp, he staggered backwards and collapsed. His consciousness started slipping away, and he didn't fight it. He couldn't control his body enough to stand again. It was almost like falling asleep, only more painful... but what was pain, if not a mental state? Yes, he would not dissapear, just continue his existance in a world of thoughts... he hoped such a world existed... I'm sorry, Ziaret... I'm sorry, Fallon... Good-bye ...Zoey.

The scythe then changed into something much smaller, a sort of scapel. Kneeling down by Raul,  the demon looked for a spot to carve his quote into him.

***

Klykon residence

Maetel opened her door and stared. Kuris was back. His had had his hair cut short, really short, but he still looked like himself.

And of course, he was with Fallon.

”Hello.” ”Hi... ...’Martyrdom is the only way a man can become famous without ability’.” Fallon replied grimly. ”I wonder where he gets them.” ”Come on in.” ”Hiiiii, neighbor! WE came to borrow a spoonful of sugar!” Kuris chirped mischievously, waving airily at a stunned Maetel. ”Been a while~”

Maetel nodded absent-mindedly at Kuris's words and then looks away like she's not pleased with him being there. The serpent raised an eyebrow. ”What, you don’t have any sugar? Well, I see the house to avoid on Halloween.....” ”At least I know it's really you...” Maetel mumbled.

Kuris pinched himself. ”Nope... I'm real. I just apear dreamy!” ”That's not what I meant!”

”Flirting at such a time? Really?” Fallon gave Kuris a dour look. Raul’s condition was serious – more serious than the others’, he could die soon!

”Huh? Flirting? Oh no, Red... oh no...” Kuris wrapped his arms around her. ”Just messing with a friend and teammate y'know?”

Charity was playing with her doll in another room when she heard a loud voice and went to investigate. Erika followed, leaving the science magazine was reading. ”Who's that, Erika?” Charity asked poking her head in the room where the trio of adults stood. ”Oh, that's Kuris!” Erika whispered back. ”Who's Kuris?” ”He's a friend.” ”He looks funny...” ”Yeah, he wears make up...” ”That's silly~” Charity giggled.

Maetel forced herself to put on a smile at the sudden display of affection. ”Yeah, it makes me glad to be taking a break from missions and not having to deal with him now that he's back...” ”Ouch, Maetel... ouch... my company is that bad, eh?” He nuzzled into Fallon. (Oh, he enjoyed flustering the swordswoman.) ”Red, am I annoying?” ”Um, only sometimes...” Fallon blushed at all the hugging and nuzzling.

Kuris perked up at her words. ”Aww, I'll take it as an improvement from the 'me' before you. Kukuku~ ...and...” he looked around, ”I hear alot of pitter-pattering.... you have company?”

”Girls, come on out...” Maetel called and Fallon took this chance to pulls away from Kuris, they should appear decent before the kids.

”Eyy, is that little Erika I see? My you've grown.....” the serpent reached out and pinched her cheeks, a sudden twitching of his eyebrows. ”And I heard that earlier Erika... it's a tattoo. Not makeup.” ”Eh?” Erika was still not sure why he needed it. Kuris released his grip, smiling warmly at the girl. ”But truly, you seem to be doing better. Good to see you happy.” ”Yeah...” Erika mumbled rubbing her cheeks.

Charity had come out slowly behind her. ”…… H-hi...” ”And who is this?” Maetel introduced her petting her on the head, ”This is my daughter, Charity.”

The purple haired girl stood close to Maetel and waved.

”Oh, really now? My, my Maetel... the numbers keep growing. *smirk* She looks adorable though.” ”Thank you, sir!” Charity smiled up at him. ”Sir?” Kuris sniffed, mocking happy tears. ”She called me sir... oh, I'm so happy right now. Such respect~” ”You're funny, sir!” Charity giggled. ”Aww.... she even finds me funny! You're sweet kiddo...” ”Thank you!”

”Kuris... Wanna see the babies?” Erika offered. ”Babies? Hmm...Sure why not? I'd love to.” Kuris turned his head to Fallon and Maetel questioningly, was he permitted? Did they trust him enough around kids? ”Oh, yes yes! Come on!” Charity took his hand and a weird emotion made Erika want to hold Kuris's other hand. ”...This way.” Maetel led the way upstairs to the babies' room.

Wondering how he was being dragged by two little girls.... oh, Kuris hoped he didn’t have a girl.... she'd have him wrapped around her little finger instantly. ”Easy easy now... Don’t rush me. I'll trip....and you'll laugh at me..” ”*giggles* It's okay, sir!” ”Yeah...!” ”Coming, Red? These two aren’t slowing down!” ”Right behind you, right behind you.”

Maetel stopped where 3 little babies lay asleep. Kuris walked over to the cradles, inspecting them, a quiet emotion on his face. ”They're so tiny.... and cute...” Charity and Erika peeked in too. ”That's Ziaret?” Fallon asked and heaved a sigh of relief.

”Yes. Now that Raul can't look after her...” Sure, Maetel had gotten angry when Neru and Kuris went on that date such a long time before, right after promising he’d cut down the skirt-chasing,  but the child was innocent. And the baby’s father had always been good to Maetel.

Charity pointed to the other two babies. ”They're my little brother and sister. ” ”Mine too... -3-” Erika added in. ”Yep yep...!”

Kuris idly wondered what the two were talking about, but focuses on the contents in the cradles. ”No doubt about that little ones~....Can I hold one? I don’t even know why...I just want to.” ”...Sure.” Maetel replied easily. ”Oh oh!I wanna hold Gershom... can I, mama?”

Maetel  picked up Gershom, then leans down to let Charity hold him. ”Be careful, ok?” ”Yes, mama...!” ”Thanks..I'll be careful.” Kuris gingerly picked up Gretel, making sure to support her head as he brings her to his chest in the proper position. ”Heh... so tiny... if Widow could see me now, she'd have a heart attack...”

”Should I take a picture for her?” Fallon offered with a chuckle. But Kuris only smiled,wagging a free finger in the babis face, cooing at it. Totally in his own zone. In response, Gretel giggled and moved her hands happily. Not being to help it, Fallon produced a camera and took a silent picture of Kuris playing with baby Gretel. Requip Magic was convenient like that.

”They're heavier then before... ” Charity noted. ”Yes, they are. ” Maetel agreed. Kuris chuckled at Charity's comment, ”They're only going to get bigger... and then start moving around... next thing you know you're fighting them to stay out of your stuff.” ”But I don't wanna fight them... I wanna keep making them wear my dolls clothes ^^” ”*chuckle* Well then, if they enjoy it then have at it.” ” he does, he does.” ”o.O He... does? Um, allrighty then.” ”She means Gershom. Gershom's a boy.” Erika explained. ”You're holding Gretel, Kuris.” Maetel added. ”Ah, ok then....” the lashtail went back to playing with the baby to avoid more awkwardness.

”Will you have a baby too?” ”Oh oh, you should, sir..!”

Kuris stilled, turning to face Erika slowly, a nervous expression on his face. ”What...did you just ask?” ”If you're gonna have a baby!!” Erika raised her voice, thinking he was going deaf. ”Everyone has babies... Mister Zathur... and others.” ”O/////O” ”You should have a cute baby to play dress up with!” ”I want to teach the baby to read! ” ”I wanna rock it to sleep like mama does!”

Maetel laughed softly at Kuris's flustered expression. Fallon took a pic of that too.

”I um... ah... Red, forgive me... ....Go ask your auntie Fallon....” ”Aunt Fallon~ when will you have a baby?” ”Um...” ”Can you have it now?” Kuris choked out loud but somehow managed to keep the baby secure while he slams his chest to get his breathing correct once more. ”N-no! It doesn't work that way!! >///>” ”Pwease~”  ”We need to get married first...” ”Okay! And then you'll have a baby?” ”Um, maybe... ”  ”;u; pretty please?” ”Charity, it is their decision, not yours, to make...” ”Yes, mama...”

Gretel held onto Kuris's finger as she drifted to sleep, distracting him once more. ”Aww... Sleep child~ Let your fantasies come to you~ Dream Wild~ Never let nightmares break through~”

Tucking in her babies and Ziaret, the blonde member of his team heard Kuris compliment, ”You have wonderful kids, Maetel...” ”Thanks...” After she tucked in her older daughters too, she comes back to the couple waiting in the living room. ”Man, its been forever since I've gotten to hang in Premunte'. How’s Unwavering Heart been since my absence?”

Maetel glanced between him and Fallon before answering. ”Not so well...” ”Eh? What? Something happen?!” ”Ragnor's... gone now.” Kuris shook his head and twiddled his earlobs. ”I'm sorry, could you repeat that last bit?” ”His sisters have no clue where he could be either. It's like he doesn't want to be found. ” ”I... don’t understand. I mean this is Ragnor we're talking about....”

The blonde realised Fallon hadn't told Kuris about Fallon Heart but she decided it was not her place to tell him either. ”No one was expecting this...”

Fallon figured Ragnor must be mad at Kuris. There could be no other explanation.

”Yeah... but I don’t see Ragnor doing that... We've been through too much for this...” turns to Fallon. ”You think Cole got to him too?”